what can you expect from us

Click here to watch the Video

The days of quick building checks by a well-meaning relation, mate or a friend of a friend are over. Building pre-purchase property inspections require professionalism and systemised check lists and testing so nothing is missed. You will be amazed at how comprehensive our reports are. (Over 350 items are checked and tested). Independent Property Inspections has successfully completed Thousands of building, pre purchase property inspections for clients from all over the world and from all walks of life.

You can expect
A) You will receive a very thorough written report to comply with Australian Standards AS.4349.1-2007
B) We will get right under the floor and inspect it all.
C) We will climb up into the roof space and check the condition of the framing, roofing, and insulation.
D) We will check all the taps and traps.
E) We will check the foundations.
F) We will test all the windows.
G) We will check walls and ceilings.
H) We will check the floors.
I) We will get up on the roof and check it thoroughly.
J) We will find all cracks and squeaks.
Prompt Service We will give you a summary of all the defects we find. Reports can be emailed or faxed same day! and posted the following day,

The Independent Home Inspector Video

Independent Property Inspections

Code of Ethics

Independent Property Inspections Pty Ltd (IPI) Inspectors promote a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. (IPI) Inspectors will subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their business every day.

Duty to the Public

The IPI Inspector shall abide by the Code of Ethics and substantially follow the IPI Standards of Practice.
The IPI inspector will not engage in any practices that could be damaging to the public or bring discredit to IPI or the home inspection industry.
The IPI Inspector shall be fair, honest, impartial, and act in good faith in dealing with the public.
The IPI Inspector will not discriminate in any business activities on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or handicap and shall comply with all federal, state and local laws concerning discrimination.
The IPI Inspector shall be truthful regarding his/her services & qualifications.
The IPI Inspector will have no undisclosed conflict of interest with the client.
The IPI Inspector will not accept or offer any undisclosed commissions, rebates, profits, or other benefit.
The IPI Inspector will not communicate any information about an inspection to anyone except the client without the prior written consent of the client, except where it may affect the safety of others or violates a law or statute.
The IPI Inspector will always act in the interest of the client, unless doing so violates a law, statute, or this Code of Ethics.
The IPI Inspector will always provide a written report that specifies the services to be performed, limitations and conditions of those services.
The IPI Inspector will comply with all government rules and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where he/she conducts business.
The IPI inspector shall not perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to structure on which the inspector or inspector's company has prepared a home inspection report.

Duty to Continue Education

The IPI Inspector will comply with IPI's current Continuing Education Requirements.

Duty to the Profession

The IPI Inspector will strive to improve the Home Inspection Industry by sharing his/her knowledge and/or experiences for the benefit of all. This does not preclude the Inspector from copyrighting or marketing his/her expertise to other Inspectors or the public in any manner permitted by law.
The IPI Inspector shall assist the IPI leadership in disseminating and publicizing the benefits of IPI a Franchise.

3. The IPI Inspector will not engage in any act or practice that could be deemed damaging, seditious, or destructive to IPI, fellow IPI Franchisee's, IPI employees, leadership or directors. Franchisee(s) accused of acting or deemed in violation of such rules shall be reviewed by the Ethics committee for possible sanctions and/or expulsion from IPI.

Things you need to know
Pros & Cons Unfortunately, these days self-interest gets in the way of ethical business practices and not all building inspectors are what they appear.

PROS We specialise in all types of Building, Property Pre Purchase Inspections and Home Owners Warranty Inspections. We are not affiliated or aligned with any agents, financial institutions, solicitors or any other interested parties. We don't receive payments, commissions or kickbacks from any interested parties. We are always available for an onsite discussion about the subject property, the report, your concerns and future plans for the property. Much of our business comes to us by referrals from past clients, Solicitor's, housing and real estate professionals who recognise they have a 'Duty of Care' to refer only suitably qualified specialists

CONS Some building inspectors are in this business solely to generate renovation and repair work for their own building business. Your chance of getting an independent objective report from these operators is greatly reduced. Some building inspectors generate most of their work from real estate agents in return for "agent friendly" reports. Not all building inspectors carry professional indemnity insurance. This could prove costly to you if you need to make a claim for damages or losses resulting from a poorly conducted inspection and report. Part time or temporary building inspectors may not be concerned about the quality or accuracy of their inspection or reports, or the reputation they develop. Some building inspectors ask for payment in advance or offer discounts for payment upfront. Some building inspectors have no formal building qualifications at all.

Some building inspectors charge exorbitant fees for a report that still only barely meets the Australian Standard, You have too much at stake to entrust a building inspection to any of the above.

Important Information Regarding the Scope and Limitations of the Inspection and this Report
1) Our report does not include or consider compliance with any building regulations or building act, local law or by-law. Our reports are limited to the areas that could reasonably be accessed at the time of the inspection and are a visual inspection only. During the course of the inspection we do not and will not use any invasive measures or techniques to dismantle, move, or break apart anything (to include floor coverings, furniture, stored items, appliances, insulation, linings, cladding, plantings or debris) without the property owner's written permission. We will not inspect areas where safe unobstructed access is not available. When considering if a defect is significant or not, the age and type of building must also be considered. All items will be assessed in consideration of similar properties of the same age that have been reasonably maintained.

2) No inspection will be made for the identification of, or comment on, and the exclusion of, but not limited to, Footing below ground, Concealed damp-proof course, Electrical installations, operation of smoke detectors, light switches, and fittings, TV, Sound and Communications and Security systems, Concealed plumbing, Adequacy of roof drainage as installed, Gas fittings and fixtures, Air-conditioning, Automatic garage door and/or gate mechanisms, Swimming pools and associated filtration, heating and similar equipment, The operation of fireplaces and solid fuel heaters including chimneys and flues, Alarm systems, intercom systems, Soft floor coverings, Electrical appliances including dishwashers, incinerators, ovens, ducted vacuum systems, Paint coatings except external protective coatings, Health hazards (e.g., allergies, soil toxicity, lead content, radon, presence of asbestos or urea formaldehyde) Timber and metal sizes and adequacy, Concealed tie-downs and bracing, Timber pest activity, Other mechanical or electrical equipment such as inclinators, Soil conditions, Control joints, Sustainable development provisions, concealed framing or any areas concealed by linings/sidings, Landscaping, Rubbish, Mold, illegal building or plumbing or electrical work, Stored items, Insulation, Furniture and accessories, Energy efficiency, lighting efficiency, Environmental matters, Water tanks, Dams, Pumps, Septic systems, On site water treatment systems. Unless otherwise stated the inspector has not gained access to any neighbouring properties and is therefore unable to comment upon the external state of any boundary fencing. Settlement cracking and/or movement are a normal occurrence in most buildings and can occur at any time including the early life of a new building or extension, if cracking is noted the only way to determine if the movement has ceased is to monitor the cracking over a period of time (12 months is recommended). A qualified pest expert did not prepare this report, therefore any comments in this regard are from general observation only However these items can be upon request included in a Special Purpose Inspection

3) Our reports and inspections do not comment on the proximity or not of railway, flight paths, traffic, fire protection, heritage concerns, durability of surfaces, life expectancy of materials, noise levels or health and safety issues. This report is not a guarantee that that defects and/or damage does not exist in any sections or areas that full unrestricted access could not be gained. This report does not make comment on sub surface drainage, rising damp, seepage or leaks that may be subject to prevailing weather conditions at times other than the inspection time. Many drainage problems are difficult to detect particularly if there has been prolonged dry periods prior to the inspection. The only way to determine if the site drainage is adequate is for the site to be inspected during or after extended heavy rain periods. However these items can be upon request included in a Special Purpose Inspection.

4) This report is made solely for the use of our client (the purchaser of this report). We accept no responsibility or liability, in contract or tort, to any third party who may rely on this report in part or wholly. Any third party relying on this report does so at their own risk. You must read and understand this report in its entirety before acting on it.

5) You must contact the inspector who carried out this inspection. Often it is very difficult to fully explain situations, problems, access difficulties, building faults or importance in a manner that is readily understandable by the reader. Should you have any difficulty in understanding anything contained within this report, then you must immediately contact the inspector and have it explained to you. If you have any questions at all or require any clarification then you must contact the inspector prior to acting on this report.

6) Annual Inspections. Independent Property Inspections recommends regular competent inspections should be carried out at least annually but more frequent inspections are strongly recommended. Regular inspections will not prevent defects, but will help in the early detection and allow remedial treatment to be commenced sooner and damage to be minimised. Due to the degree of risk of structural movement in a property Independent Property Inspections strongly recommends a written report in accord with AS 4349.1 is conducted at this property every twelve months and all regular maintenance is carried out.

7) Consumer complaints. In the unlikely event of any controversy or claim arising out of, or relating to this Report, either party must give written Notice to the other party. If the dispute is not resolved within ten (10) days from the service of the Notice then the dispute shall be referred to a mediator nominated by the Inspector. If the dispute not be resolved by mediation then either party can refer the dispute to the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators of Australia for resolution by arbitration.